Influence of Environmental Variables on the Reproductive Biology of the American Goosefish

The American goosefish (Lophius americanus), also known as monkfish, supports a valuable commercial fishery in the Northeastern United States. Despite this commercial importance, many details of goosefish reproductive biology and behavior remain unknown. In the western North Atlantic Ocean goosefish are believed to migrate seasonally in an onshore-offshore pattern. Previous studies indicate that spring onshore movements may begin in the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight then shift northward into New England as the spawning season progresses, and thus may be influenced by sea temperature. Furthermore, migrations potentially affect fishery landings since these fluctuate throughout the year and may reflect fish abundance.  Therefore, we investigated the potential influence of environmental variables on aspects of goosefish reproduction and commercial catch. Goosefish catch rates, size compositions, and female spawner presence data were collected for several locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic Bight using the U.S. commercial monkfish gillnet fishery. Samples used for fecundity estimation and spawning condition were collected during NEFSC bottom trawl surveys and in the commercial fishery. Data were compared spatially and temporally during the spawning season. Correlations between environmental variables, reproductive state, and catch data were examined.